Chapter 90

Nearby vendors also caught the enticing aroma.

They, along with the watermelon vendor, turned their heads to Summer's stand, where steam was rising from the stove by the wall, and the delicious smell was wafting from the pot.

Summer finished sautéing the pork belly, added mushrooms and minced garlic, and then poured in the prepared sauce.

As she simmered the sauce, the aroma grew even richer and more irresistible.

The fragrant smell of the simmering sauce floated down the street, soon attracting a crowd.

People who came closer couldn't help but swallow.

Since it wasn't yet lunchtime, they didn't ask any questions, just stood around and muttered amongst themselves:

"Is this a new noodle stand?"

"What kind of noodles are they making that smell so good?"

"This aroma must have traveled for miles..."

The enticing scent spread far, and even those at a distance were curious:

"Do you smell that?"

"Is someone hosting a feast?"

"I can't stand this smell any longer..."

At the stand, Summer continued cooking the sauce.

Seeing the crowd grow, she turned and smiled at Logan.

This was part of their plan.

They could have made the sauce in advance, but for maximum effect, they decided to cook it on the street, letting the smell draw people in.

Judging by the crowd, it was working.

Making the sauce took some time, and the crowd changed a few times over.

Some people left and came back, lingering around the stand.

By the time the sauce was almost ready, the sun was high.

The enticing smell had done its job, and Summer dished out the sauce, washed the pot, filled it with water, and boiled some noodles. She also blanched some vegetables to go with them.

The bright green and yellow vegetables on the noodles, topped with a ladle of sauce, looked even more tempting.

As it was nearly lunchtime, Logan carried a bowl of noodles and walked around the edge of their stall, giving the onlookers a close look and a whiff of the aroma.

He announced, "We're from Willow Creek. It's our first day setting up this noodle stand. If you think our noodles are good, come try a bowl. It's 20 cents for a bowl without meat and 40 cents with meat. You don't need coupons for the meat and vegetables, but you do for the noodles."

One onlooker asked, "How much meat is in the meat option?"

Logan replied, "Two ounces of diced pork."

After understanding the details, many onlookers were both tempted and hesitant.

Some hadn't planned to eat out, while others were thinking of going to the state-run cafeteria.

While some were just curious, others were on the verge of buying.

Finally, two young women pushed through the crowd and said, "We'll have two bowls, with meat."

Judging by their accents, they were likely city folk.

Hearing this, Summer's face lit up. She responded cheerfully, "Coming right up!" and began preparing the noodles.

She placed the first bowl in front of one girl, and Logan brought the second bowl over.

The two girls started eating cautiously but soon widened their eyes in surprise after the first bite. Without another word, they buried their faces in their bowls.

Seeing this, the rest of the onlookers grew even more impatient.

After a while, one man, almost gritting his teeth, walked into the stall and said, "I'll have a bowl, without meat! I can't leave this street without trying it!"

He had tried to walk away three times, only to be drawn back by the aroma!

Summer responded with a bright smile, "Sure thing!"

***

Summer and Logan had prepared only five servings of noodles.

After selling the first three, the remaining two quickly followed.

Fortunately, they had brought extra noodles, so they could keep up with the demand.

Vegetables were cut as needed, and if they ran out, they simply got more from the Willow Creek vegetable stand.

Most people opted for the meatless version, so they didn't need to restock the pork.

Before opening, Summer had been anxious.

But as she kneaded more dough, her nerves settled.

Though the business wasn't overwhelming, she was happy, her face beaming with joy.

Summer and Logan didn't have specific roles, but their teamwork was seamless.

Logan handled the heavy work of kneading and rolling the dough, while Summer decided on the water content and the thickness of the noodles.

Summer also took care of boiling the noodles and blanching the vegetables, ensuring they were cooked to perfection.

After the busy lunchtime rush, the market quieted down.

Summer and Logan sat down to eat.

Feeling satisfied and full, Summer let out a long sigh of relief. Despite the fatigue, she felt light and happy.

Logan got up to wash the last of the dishes at the water pump.

Summer stayed seated, fanning herself with a large fan.

Their stall, shaded by the wall and the makeshift tarp, was relatively cool, with a breeze from the nearby trees.

Though Summer felt hotter from working over the stove, she was content.

As she fanned herself, she caught the eye of the watermelon vendor.

Seeing his look, Summer remembered his earlier skepticism.

She smiled at him confidently, without a hint of arrogance.

The watermelon vendor was silent for a moment.

He hadn't expected this young girl to have such skill, making noodles that smelled so good people couldn't resist buying them.

He had no food coupons, otherwise, he would have bought a bowl himself.

He had endured the smell and watched others eat for hours.

He smiled and said, "Hey, chef, after all that work, how about a watermelon?"

Summer looked at him and said, "I'd love to, but I don't have any coupons."

The vendor, just as regretfully, said, "Neither do I..."

They both laughed, sharing a moment of camaraderie.